The best way to prepare for a new task

It happens all the time. We decide we want something different in our life or we are faced with a new challenge which requires us to tackle a new task. Suddenly we have to do things we've never done before.

Naturally the first reaction for most of us is, "Where can I learn how to do this?" We search for instructions or a mentor so we can gain some stable footing and move forward in confidence.

But what if there isn't any information to be had? What if you just don't have those resources available? Some people will throw up their hands in despair and wail, "I can't do this! I don't know how." But those who really thirst for change, those who are determined to live a new and different life, those who are ready for something else, those people will refuse to take no for an answer. They will step forward and do it anyway. And they will learn by doing.

Yes, there's a good chance they will fall on their face. Yes, they may fail, they may even fail multiple times. But, if they keep going, they will reach a new place and they will bring a pack full of knowledge with them. They will bring ideas, thoughts and know-how that they never would have gained by following in someone else's footsteps. They will gain confidence and a new bearing that will gain the respect of others. They will succeed.

"the preparation comes afterwards when we actually do the task!" Fr. Richard Rohr

Action: Take the next step with confidence. Then, whether you succeed or fail, take another step. (If you need a little accountability or a little nudge just comment below or email info [at] reclaimu.com and tell us what you're up to. We'll pop back some support to help bolster your confidence and a little reminder that will hold your feet to the fire. Write "blog post 1-26-11 in the subject line if you email us.)

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One Major Ingredient for Success

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One major ingredient for success

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." ~ Colin Powell

That's it - study, do, fail, learn, do some more - that's the simple cycle for success. And it includes that one major item we all hate - failure; but failure is the most essential part of the process. We can prepare and work hard but if we aren't failing that means we aren't really doing anything; we aren't putting our knowledge to good use and when we are working hard we're really just keeping ourselves busy.

Failure is huge and it's scary. I don't know exactly why or exactly when it happens. We didn't start out that way. If we did start out that way none of us would be walking or talking because the amount of failure we experienced in learning to do those 2 things is monumental!

Think about it. When you watch a child attempt to stand and they fall down, what do they do? What do you encourage them to do? And when they take a few tottering steps and fall down, what do they do? What do you do? We smile and praise them and applaud! We encourage them to keep going and try again - and soon they are walking (actually running) around the house.

But when we attempt something and fail we berate ourselves. We spend all our time and energy telling ourselves how we should have done it right the first time. Well, what if we cut ourselves the same slack that we give those toddlers? What if we applaud every effort then stand up and try again?

It's that tenacity and that model which will get us across the finish line.

Action: Do something! Whatever your dream, whatever your goal, take some action today. Don't worry about failing, just take the lessons from the failure and try again.

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(The following resources are things we like and believe to be worth your time to look at. Some products are free and some are for purchase. Sometimes we earn a profit, commission, affiliate or an advertising fee when you buy and sometimes we don't. But the resources are always chosen because we see value in them. We hope you agree.)

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Solve the real problem with New Year's resolutions

It's that time of year, the time when we decide whether we're really going to work at those New Year's resolutions or if we're going to chalk it up to another resolution failure. I hear people talking about this and I watch the buzz on-line, all the experts who have ways to help us stick to those resolutions and all the ways we're struggling to make a go of them.

And it makes me wonder.

It makes me wonder why we keep failing, and why we keep trying. Really, we've all been there, when New Year's Eve is looming and we're wondering what kind of resolution to make. And we hear that little voice in the background telling us it doesn't matter because we won't stick with it anyway.

I see myself and those I care about ride that roller coaster and I really wonder why we do it and why we fail so frequently. And this is the thought I've come up with:

We don't set our sights on something we really want and are passionate about "going for". We pick the same old things we've failed at before and we pick the things we know we "should" do. We "should" get more exercise. We "should" eat healthier. We "should" quit smoking. We "should" spend more time with our parents'. Then we try to use the New Year's resolution to fix our life.

But what if we took this fresh start and used it to really make our life better? What if we chose to work on something we're passionate about? What if we set up a program that can really work, maybe taking baby steps instead of trying to leap tall buildings? What if we took an honest and real look at our life and didn't try to change things that we "should" change but rather the things we want to change? I believe we'd be a lot more successful - and happier.

Action: Take a second look at your New Year's resolution and see if it's really a fit for you and your life. See if it's based in reality and built on desire and passion. If it's not, scrap it and pick a new one.


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Did you forget this in the new year rush?

Happy New Year! It's that time of year, time for new energy and a fresh start. I always love that feeling, the feeling of wiping the slate clean and starting anew. It's such a great opportunity to shift things around and create what we want.

The thing that bothers me though is when all I hear is "new year, new you". What about the old you? Yes, I know there are things about ourselves and our lives that we'd like to change and that's great. But what about all the good? What about the things we're great at? What about the amazing people in our lives? What about the activities we love to do and what about our strengths and talents?

During the rush to create and stick to New Year's resolutions we sometimes forget about the "old us" and all that is good about us and our lives. So while we are moving forward and creating opportunities for growth and improvement let's remember to appreciate and support the good we already have.

Action: Make a list of your greatest strengths and your talents. Add on the names of the best people in your life. Then tack on anything else that you love about your life. Now spend a few minutes in gratitude for these things. Perhaps you can even put the list by your bed and take a minute each morning and each night and just say thank you for all the good in your life.

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Ready to go deeper? Try some of these resources!
(The following resources are things we like and believe to be worth your time to look at. Some products are free and some are for purchase. Sometimes we earn a profit, commission, affiliate or an advertising fee when you buy and sometimes we don't. But the resources are always chosen because we see value in them. We hope you agree.)

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